Who Is Superman"s Green Lantern: Guy Gardner"s Powers & Origin Explained
James Gunn’s Superman promises to introduce a vibrant array of DC characters, including one of the most divisive and entertaining Green Lanterns, Guy Gardner. Played by Nathan Fillion, Gardner is set to bring his brash personality and unique style of heroism to the big screen in the first movie in DCU Chapter One: Gods and Monsters. With his inclusion in this ambitious project, it’s worth exploring his backstory, and how his character might fit into Superman"s narrative.
The DCU’s Superman is a key project in Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. The film aims to blend Superman’s classic heroism with a more expansive exploration of the DC roster. Among the characters confirmed for the movie are Krypto the Superdog, Lex Luthor, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner, hinting at a larger story that intertwines Superman’s journey with other heroes and possibly a broader cosmic scope. The first trailer for Superman has already delivered on many of these, giving the first official look at Fillion’s Guy Gardner.
Nathan Fillion Plays Guy Gardner AKA Green Lantern in the Superman Movie![]()
Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner in Superman marks a significant moment for both actor and character. Fillion’s prior work with James Gunn has demonstrated his ability to balance humor, charisma, and occasional bravado - traits that align perfectly with Guy Gardner’s personality. Fillion’s ability to be both lovable and a jerk would be ideal for portraying Guy Gardner. Fillion, for his part, expressed enthusiasm for stepping into the iconic Green Lantern role. Discussing the character in an interview with Collider, Fillion discussed the nature of playing flawed characters:
[indent] "The reality is that people have flaws. We all have quirks. We all have vulnerabilities. You could have the most wonderful family, but be like, ‘Oh, my God, my dad drives me nuts. He’s got this one thing.’ Everybody’s got something, and I love to lean into those faults and flaws. It’s what makes people real and what allows audiences to relate, because we all know what that is. We all have our own. We witness it in other people. Guy Gardner is 90% flawed and doesn’t care. That’s one of his flaws. I think there’s a real freedom in playing that. So, for a guy who likes to play flaws and flawed people, Guy Gardner is a gold mine."
[/indent]While audiences have yet to see the full extent of Fillion’s Gardner in action, the brief glimpses in the Superman trailer reveal a character who radiates confidence and swagger. From his classic bowl-cut hairstyle to his vibrant Green Lantern uniform, the depiction promises to stay faithful to the comics while adapting Gardner’s quirks for modern audiences. Indeed, Gardner is a fascinating character with an intriguing backstory in the comics perfect for the DCU’s focus on flawed heroes.
Guy Gardner's DC Comics Origin Explained Close For those unfamiliar with DC Comics lore, Guy Gardner stands apart as one of the most memorable members of the Green Lantern Corps. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Gardner debuted in Green Lantern #59 (1968) as a backup Green Lantern, chosen as an alternate to Hal Jordan by the Green Lantern ring. Gardner’s origin story is steeped in adversity, as he grew up in Baltimore in an abusive household, shaping his tough, no-nonsense demeanor.
The DCU’s Superman is a key project in Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. The film aims to blend Superman’s classic heroism with a more expansive exploration of the DC roster. Among the characters confirmed for the movie are Krypto the Superdog, Lex Luthor, Hawkgirl, Mister Terrific, and Guy Gardner, hinting at a larger story that intertwines Superman’s journey with other heroes and possibly a broader cosmic scope. The first trailer for Superman has already delivered on many of these, giving the first official look at Fillion’s Guy Gardner.
Nathan Fillion Plays Guy Gardner AKA Green Lantern in the Superman Movie
Nathan Fillion’s portrayal of Guy Gardner in Superman marks a significant moment for both actor and character. Fillion’s prior work with James Gunn has demonstrated his ability to balance humor, charisma, and occasional bravado - traits that align perfectly with Guy Gardner’s personality. Fillion’s ability to be both lovable and a jerk would be ideal for portraying Guy Gardner. Fillion, for his part, expressed enthusiasm for stepping into the iconic Green Lantern role. Discussing the character in an interview with Collider, Fillion discussed the nature of playing flawed characters:[indent] "The reality is that people have flaws. We all have quirks. We all have vulnerabilities. You could have the most wonderful family, but be like, ‘Oh, my God, my dad drives me nuts. He’s got this one thing.’ Everybody’s got something, and I love to lean into those faults and flaws. It’s what makes people real and what allows audiences to relate, because we all know what that is. We all have our own. We witness it in other people. Guy Gardner is 90% flawed and doesn’t care. That’s one of his flaws. I think there’s a real freedom in playing that. So, for a guy who likes to play flaws and flawed people, Guy Gardner is a gold mine."
[/indent]While audiences have yet to see the full extent of Fillion’s Gardner in action, the brief glimpses in the Superman trailer reveal a character who radiates confidence and swagger. From his classic bowl-cut hairstyle to his vibrant Green Lantern uniform, the depiction promises to stay faithful to the comics while adapting Gardner’s quirks for modern audiences. Indeed, Gardner is a fascinating character with an intriguing backstory in the comics perfect for the DCU’s focus on flawed heroes.
Guy Gardner's DC Comics Origin Explained Close For those unfamiliar with DC Comics lore, Guy Gardner stands apart as one of the most memorable members of the Green Lantern Corps. Created by John Broome and Gil Kane, Gardner debuted in Green Lantern #59 (1968) as a backup Green Lantern, chosen as an alternate to Hal Jordan by the Green Lantern ring. Gardner’s origin story is steeped in adversity, as he grew up in Baltimore in an abusive household, shaping his tough, no-nonsense demeanor.
